Zirconyl chloride
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Dichloro(oxo)zirconium
| |
| Other names
Basic zirconium chloride
Chlorozirconyl Dichlorooxozirconium Zirconium chloride oxide Zirconium dichloride oxide Zirconium oxychloride Zirconyl chloride octahydrate | |
| Properties | |
| [Zr4(OH)8(H2O)16]Cl8(H2O)12 | |
| Molar mass | 1289.00 g/mol |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | Decomposes |
| Boiling point | Decomposes |
| Soluble | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in acetone, conc. HCl, hydrocarbons |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC): | |
| LD50 (Median dose)
|
400 mg/kg, (rat, intraperitioneal) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Zirconium tetrachloride |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Zirconyl chloride is probably the most important, stable and water-soluble zirconium compound. Often referred to as ZrOCl2.8H2O, its true structure is much more complicated and represented by: [Zr4(OH)8(H2O)16]Cl8(H2O)12.
It should not be confused with anhydrous zirconium tetrachloride - ZrCl4.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
At high temperatures, this compound will dehydrate.
Physical
It is highly soluble in water but insoluble in conc. HCl.
Availability
It is sold by chemical suppliers.
Preparation
The compound can be prepared by dissolving freshly prepared zirconium hydroxide - Zr(OH)4 - in strong, hot HCl. The obtained solution is then boiled in, in the presence of plenty acid reserve (to prevent hydrolysis). Alternatively, a solution of zirconyl chloride can be gassed with HCl gas to saturation, upon which pure ZrOCl2.8H2O then crystallizes out. You can find a preparation here.
Zirconyl chloride solutions precipitate Zr(OH)4 with ammonia solutions, which can then be dissolved in any relevant acid, after filtering and washing.
Projects
- Make zirconia
Handling
Safety
May be harmful, wear proper protection.
Storage
In closed bottles.
Disposal
Best to try to recycle it.
